I recently moved to Virginia; it’s beautiful, historic, and the winter is so much milder than a Maine one.

I’m told it’s a place for lovers, which is definitely true for me. Little did I know, however, that Virginia would become the driest place I’ve ever called home… meaning that my eczema-prone skin is causing a ruckus – especially in the middle of the night when I’m trying to sleep, or in the morning when I want to shower, or the middle of the day when I’m trying to wear clothes or… well, all the time.

Each person will react to eczema in a different way, so try these carefully and sparingly until you find what works best for you. Not lucky enough to be the one of five people in the country with this problem? These tips cure good old fashioned dry skin, too.

Oatmeal

There’s a reason you bathe in it when you’re a chicken-pocked child. It’s soothing all on its own. A hand-full of oats in muslin or cheesecloth placed in a lukewarm bath (like you’re brewing tea) is so comforting.

Bananas

Last night, I took a banana peel and rubbed it over every itchy spot before bed. It was more soothing than the Aveeno Anti-Itch cream I bought today. Honest.

Coconut Oil

This natural remedy is easily found in the grocery store and good for every skin type – some even boast that it leaves wrinkles less noticeable… just food for thought. To aid itchy skin, melt it on the stove to give it an easier consistency to work with. Once it becomes a liquid, add the oatmeal. Take it off the stove, place it in a container, and you have a better cream than you could find at a store. Feel free to step up the recipe and add olive oil, like this blogger did.

Whatever you choose to do, remember to relax! Eczema flare-ups can be exacerbated by stress, so put the computer away and treat yourself.

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Oddly enough, becoming a waitress has always been on my bucket list. No one believes me when I tell them this. I love making people feel comfortable and bringing them what they need and want. I generally don’t like interacting with people but I make the perfect hostess. I know – I don’t make any sense.

Finally this summer I’m a waitress! I work at one of the most gorgeous lodge/resorts in Maine and it’s the most fun I’ve had in a while. But I’m also learning to adapt to smelling like the kitchen when I get back from each shift. Most irritating of all is the lobster smell -especially when it’s under your nails. If you’re on the eating end of the lobster plate, here are some tips to walking away smelling fresh.

Tip number one: I don’t advise getting lobster during a date. It’s right up there with any pasta and red sauce. Use your head.

Tip number two: Order a glass of water with two lemons with your meal. Pluck the lemons out right away and set them on the side. Once you’ve finished your lobster and used the wet towelette, dig your nails into the lemon slices. The lemon both cleanses and neutralizes the smell and nails are the hardest place to clean lobster guts from.

Tip number three: If you’re brave enough to order something strange from the kitchen, ask for some vinegar and a few slices of lemon. Squeeze some lemon juice into the vinegar and dip your napkin in it to make your own towelette. I know few people would want to do it, but it’s common to get odd requests like this.

Why are these important? For skin and hair, color plays a major role in covering imperfections and highlighting your best assets. For example, your under-eye concealer has a yellow tint to counteract the purple-blue color in your sagging, dull skin. Green concealer is used to hide the swollen, red skin around a zit. It’s all just the basics on the color wheel, but applied to your skin, it becomes much more.

I’ve been using silver shampoo for a while now. It’s actually purple but it enhances my blonde hair by canceling out the yellow tones and making it more of a white/silvery blonde. It’s a great product – but there’s only one formula. There’s no moisturizing or volumizing version, so I had to stop using it in the winter.

But in In Style today they showed me the magic of kitchen ingredients for skin and hair. I was delighted to read that adding 1/4 tbsp grape Kool-Aid to 4 tbsp of shampoo produces the same results! Yes, Kool-Aid. I tested it and I’m sold! Not a blonde? Brunettes can use this formula to enhance natural highlights and cancel out any brassiness. Go try it!

What are you doing tomorrow afternoon? Homework? Watching TV? If you’re going to be lounging around, then treat your hair to this conditioning mask.

It takes an hour or two to work, but it’s worth it if your hair is fried from being styled all the time or just lifeless from the recent fluctuating weather. And this recipe is from this month’s Marie Claire magazine, so you don’t have to trust me.

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I made my very first yeast bread this week – and it turned out perfectly. I’ve always been scared to do it because I’ve been nervous about using yeast. It’s alive – and you have to feed it if you want it to obey you. So scary.

But it’s also great for your skin! It’s a surprise to me too, but don’t be scared. It’s easy and simple and, depending on your skin type, can make your skin less oily or more moisturized.

Dry Skin

Mix one packet of active dry yeast with enough water to make a paste. Swipe some on your skin and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Done!

Oily Skin

Use one packet of active dry yeast and mix with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Use it as a scrub first and then leave on for 5-10 minutes. Perfect!

Ironically, the rodent who predicts the future said today that spring is around the corner. I don’t know what’s more confusing about Groundhog Day: the fact that we let shadows predict things, or that the men who assist in the ceremony dress like Mr. Peanut? Also, have you ever tried explaining this holiday to a foreigner? Yeah.

Whatever the outcome of today’s rodent forecast, it’s still terribly cold and snowy here – as well as in most of the United States. I am fortunate to have the day off, so it’s time to relax after all the traveling I’ve been doing!

Dry skin is still the topic, since it’s still freezing outside and our skin is still suffering.

Face

Mash one banana and add 1/2 cup of oatmeal. I like to moisten the oatmeal a little first so it is easier to make a mask with. Apply for as long as you can stand and rinse off. I like to do this before bed and skip the lotion I usually use. Instead of benzoyl peroxide (my usual anti-acne treatment) I use the banana peel!

Body

Pack some oatmeal and dry milk in muslin or cheesecloth. Tie it securely and place in hot bath water, sort of like you’re making a big cup of tea. Remember, the lactic acid in milk is a great exfoliant for sensitive skin while the oatmeal is moisturizing and soothing.

Maine is freezing!It’s like we’re trapped under a sheet of ice – and have been for the past week. You might think I’m exaggerating, but the fact is that I haven’t regained feeling in my toes yet. And I don’t even live in a log cabin.

We’ve had a snow day and many of us have avoided going out as much as possible, staying inside to sip hot cocoa and watch movies. Your skin especially will be hurting from the negative temperatures. So take some of that hot cocoa and put it on your face! Here’s how to make the most of the next snow day.

Dry skin mask: Your skin is so dry and frozen that it hates you. Treat it kindly by blending honey and as much cocoa as needed to create a paste and applying it to your face. If your skin needs even more moisture, use olive oil in place of honey.

Hair help: Cocoa is pretty dark and can easily stain, so this is only recommended for those with dark, frizzy hair. Use whole milk (or coconut milk) and mix with cocoa and a bit of oil. Yes this is a little slimy but it is so nourishing! Use it as a conditioner and leave on for 5 minutes.